Darley stallion Von Costa de Hero and Eliza Park International sire Astronomer Royal (USA) have moved to Riverbank Farm in Benalla.

Von Costa de Hero (Encosta de Lago) won the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and was Group 1 placed in the Golden Slipper, Caulfield Guineas and Australian Guineas.

He was a leading second-crop sire last season with 17 winners of 27 races and $975,000 in prizemoney.  Chief earner Jurasound completed a hat-trick in the Mornington Guineas in March and she then finished second to Fontein Ruby in the $250,000 VOBIS Gold Reef at Caulfield and fourth to Delicacy in the G1 South Australian Oaks.

Lindsay Park trainer David Hayes prepared Von Costa de Hero and he has purchased the 10 year-old stallion from Darley.  Von Costa de Hero will stand for a $5,500 fee this year.

Astronomer Royal (Danzig) won the 2007 French 2000 Guineas and was also placed in that year’s French Derby.  He initially shuttled from Haras de la Reboursiere to Blue Gum Farm for two years before transferring to Eliza Park in 2011.

His best galloper out here has been Chris Waller’s imported star Weary (G2 Expressway Stakes & G3 Doncaster Prelude).  Among his leading Australian bred progeny is Darwin Guineas winner Gravitational who was also placed in the G3 Chairman’s Stakes at Morphettville.

Riverbank Farm owner Russell Osborne will stand Astronomer Royal for a $4,400 service fee.

The Benalla stud is also home to Redente (Redoute’s Choice) and former Greta West Stud stallion Hillman (Danehill).